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'We knew parking was going to be a problem'

East Chesterton ward councillor Gerri Bird said: "As local councillors, we knew parking was going to be a problem and we laid out our concerns to the county council.

"Residents near Cambridge's main station have the same problems.

"The problem is when they decided to build the new station, we were told we had to wait six months from the time of its opening to see how people's parking habits were affected, and to raise the issue.

"There are ongoing discussions about organising residential parking in the north of the city, but that will not happen overnight. It could take at least 18 months. Also, residents would have to pay for these parking permits, and some will pay and others won't want to.

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"I agree with what the resident has said, that the road should only be used by pedestrians and cyclists, but I expect people are not going to take any notice of that.

"Us city councillors are very concerned about it, but at the moment there is not a lot we can do, other than feed back information to the county council."

There are 450 parking spaces at Cambridge North but it is rarely at capacity

County councillor for King's Hedges, Elisa Meschini, said: "As part of the development plan for the station, money was set aside by the developers to contribute towards consultations on local parking schemes in areas affected by the station.

"This will be carried forward in accordance with the countywide parking policy, which sets out the (as yet not fully established) 'running order' that areas will be looked at in.

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"Understanding as I do how important this is to the residents affected, I am going to do everything I can to ensure that areas most affected are given the highest priority.

"I have received a number of parking related queries from residents of areas near the station, and I'm looking at each as a matter of urgency.

"I am liaising with officers at the county to receive the latest updates on Moss Bank. After that I will arrange to meet the residents who have written the email and I will discuss the available options with them."

Cambridge North's 450-space car park has had a discounted fee in place since it opened, which is due to continue until August.

It currently costs £5 all day Monday to Friday, and £3 all day Saturday and Sunday.

A spokeswoman for Greater Anglia confirmed that the car park's opening offer is still running, and is due to run for three months from opening (May 21).

While an end date has not been confirmed, it is therefore likely the offer will end on August 21 - less than a month away.

This will rise to £8 all day during peak hours (pre-9.30am), with the off-peak charge fixed at £5 (post-9.30am).